Population: 9 815.210 thousand people (2011)
Area: 153911.0 sq. km
Georgia has several nicknames: Peach State, Imperial State of the South, Peanut State, Pecan State. This traditionally agrarian state has had a major impact on US culture.
The ancient population of Georgia left behind artifacts of the Mound Builder and Mississippian cultures. In the 16th century, Cherokee (in the north) and Muskogee lived here. For Europeans, Georgia was opened by the Spaniards (1512). The Spanish settlement of San Miguel de Guldape (1526) is the first European colony in the United States. She lasted 2 months. At the end of the 17th century, English colonizers were sent here. Georgia Colony (in honor of King George II of England) was founded in 1732. Georgia was a stronghold for the Loyalists in the Revolutionary War (1775-83) and the Confederates in the American Civil War.
In Georgia, Coca-Cola was invented (1886), the novel Gone with the Wind (1936) was written. The state capital of Atlanta is home to CNN, Martin Luther King, and the capital of the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Georgia attractions are varied. These are museums (children’s, scientific, arts, civil war, Coca-Cola), the largest oceanarium of the Earth, the zoo, the botanical and Olympic parks of Atlanta, the rocks of Stone Mountain with the Confederation Memorial bas-relief, the amusement park “Six Flags”. Also popular are the old gold mining town of Dolenga, Tibi Island with the Marine Science Center, Warm Springs where the “little White House” is located, old houses and neighborhoods of Savannah. Among natural objects, the Okefenokee swamp and Calloway Gardens in the mountains deserve attention.
The state is located in an oceanic subtropical climate zone with abundant rainfall. There are also mild tornadoes here. Georgia has many rivers of medium size: Savannah, Oltamaho, Chattahoochee, Flint. The southern regions and the Atlantic coast are swampy and belong to the Wet Lands. In the north, the Blue Mountains (Brustown Bold, 1458 meters) predominate, dropping to the south.
In addition to agriculture, Georgia has developed light, chemical industries, mechanical engineering and the production of electrical equipment.
ATHENS
Population: 113.398 thousand people (2007)
Area: 343.0 sq. km
Founded: 1801
City status since: 1806
Time zone: UTC-5
Athens is located in the state of Georgia and is the capital of Athens-Clark County. Previously, on the area occupied by the modern settlement, there was a trading settlement of Cedar Shoals. At the beginning of 1785, on the hill next to it, it was decided to found the University. But its construction began 16 years later. The first building of the educational institution was erected from logs. Gradually, the area next to it began to be built up. The first buildings of the future city consisted of three residential buildings and shops. During the American Revolution, Athens was the center for the supply of weapons.
In its centenary, the city has changed a lot. In 1904, the construction of a new town hall was completed. A few years later, a theater was opened where black actors performed. In 1908, the first high-rise building of the Southern Insurance Company appeared in the city. Athens is famous for its famous residents: musician Jeff Daniels, director Alex Kendrick, guitarist Ryan Key, actress Kim Basinger, songwriter Malden Peyrou.
ATLANTA
Population: 447.841 thousand people (2013)
Area: 343.0 sq. km
Founded: 1837
City status since: 1847
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 225 m
The capital and largest city of Georgia is Atlanta. This city, located in the Chattahoochee Valley, is an international business, information and transportation center. The agglomeration, which includes about 140 settlements, is considered the fastest growing in the United States.
The original inhabitants of the territory of modern Atlanta are the Cherokee and Creek Indians. At one time they fought fierce wars with the colonists. Therefore, the development of these lands proceeded at a slow pace. Only in 1823 did settlers come here. Atlanta began as a small town near the station of the Western Atlantic Railroad in 1837. It was originally called Marthasville. After 10 years, engineer J. Thomson proposed the name “Atlanta”, which was liked by the locals. During the Civil War, the Battle of Atlanta lasted for 4 months in 1864. The result of the battle was the complete burning of the city by the army of the “northerners”. Only churches and hospitals remained intact.
Quickly recovering from the war, Atlanta acquired the status of an important economic center of the Southeast United States. The following facts testify to the success of the city: in 1892 the Coca-Cola company was founded here, the headquarters of the CNN news agency and some other companies are located in Atlanta, the city’s airport is the busiest airport in the world, and in 1996 Atlanta hosted the 26th Summer Olympic Games. In addition, Atlanta was once the center of the struggle of the African American population for civil rights, and the most famous native of the city is the leader of this movement, the preacher Martin Luther King.
Atlanta has not retained its historic center with 19th century buildings. But it boasts examples of modern post-modern and high-tech architecture. The sights of the city include five skyscrapers over 200 meters high, headed by the Bank of America Plaza (312 meters), numerous hotels (especially the Hyatt Agency), shopping centers, museums, art centers. Also in Atlanta there are luxurious mansions, various parks, an aquarium. Significant tourist sites are the Olympic Village and sports arenas.
COLUMBUS
Population: 198.413 thousand people (2012)
Area: 572.0 sq. km
Founded: 1828
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Columbus is a historic city located in western Georgia (known as the “Peach State” in the US). This city ranks second in terms of the number of inhabitants in the state.
This amazing and extraordinary city got its name in honor of Christopher Columbus, who founded it back in 1828. By 1860, the city of Columbus was one of the state’s dominant industrial centers. In the historical aspect, the city also hosted the fateful events for America during the Civil War.
In this historic city, you can visit one of the magnificent in its architectural features and saturation of programs (famous performers and theatrical productions) the Springer Opera House, which was built in 1871. This is one of the most famous and pompous theaters in America.
Also in this city is one of the famous and extraordinary museums (one of 15 existing in the world), which presents visitors not only a complete collection of lunch boxes (more than 1000 boxes), but also a detailed historical dynamics of their appearance (from tin products to plastic technologies).
Columbus is home to a large number of historical museums, parks, state-of-the-art centers for new technologies and unforgettable places for recreation for city visitors. A favorite place for tourists is one of the largest aquariums in the United States, which holds a huge amount of water and representatives of the aquatic world (about 500 inhabitants). For visitors to this underwater world, there is a unique and unforgettable opportunity to be at the bottom of the ocean.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, a city with a rich history and distinctive Southern charm, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the United States. Established in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, Savannah is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and the first planned city in the American colonies.
The city’s history is deeply intertwined with colonial America, the Revolutionary War, and the antebellum South. Savannah’s strategic location on the Savannah River contributed to its early success as a vital port and trade center. Its well-designed city plan, characterized by public squares surrounded by grand oak trees and historic architecture, reflects the foresight of its founders.
During the Revolutionary War, Savannah witnessed intense battles between American and British forces. In 1778, the British captured the city, and it remained under their control until the war’s conclusion in 1783. Despite the challenges, Savannah managed to rebound and thrive in the post-war years, becoming a hub for agriculture and trade in the region.
The city’s historic district, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings, showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic. Notable landmarks include the Owens-Thomas House, a Regency-style mansion, and the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain, which serves as a centerpiece for community gatherings and events.
According to Proexchangerates, the climate of Savannah is classified as humid subtropical, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures in the summer months hover around the mid-90s Fahrenheit (32-35°C), while winter highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (12-18°C). The city experiences a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to the lush greenery and vibrant flora that adorn the cityscape.
Savannah’s climate has played a crucial role in shaping its economy and lifestyle. The region’s subtropical climate supports the growth of crops such as cotton, rice, and indigo, which were central to the area’s economy during the antebellum period. Today, agriculture remains an important industry in the surrounding areas, contributing to Georgia’s reputation as the “Peach State.”
Savannah’s economic growth continued into the 19th century with the expansion of the railroad network, further connecting the city to the rest of the South. The port of Savannah became one of the busiest in the United States, facilitating trade and commerce.
The city’s historical significance is also evident in its role during the Civil War. In December 1864, General William T. Sherman’s Union forces captured Savannah after completing their infamous “March to the Sea.” The city was spared the destruction that other Southern cities faced, and its historic character remained largely intact.
In the 20th century, Savannah faced economic challenges but underwent a revival in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks in part to the efforts of preservationists like James Oglethorpe. The establishment of the Historic Savannah Foundation and the restoration of key landmarks contributed to the city’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District in 1966.
Today, Savannah thrives as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historic charm, hospitality, and cultural events. The city’s diverse culinary scene, vibrant arts community, and annual events like the Savannah Music Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade contribute to its dynamic atmosphere.
Savannah, Georgia, stands as a testament to America’s colonial past, its resilience through wars and economic shifts, and its commitment to preserving historical and architectural treasures. The city’s unique blend of history, climate, and Southern hospitality continues to captivate residents and visitors alike, making it a distinctive gem in the southeastern United States.
